Research centres
The Faculty of Science hosts several research centres, who are involved in a wide range of exciting and innovative research.
University centres
Ngā Ara Whetū - Centre for Climate, Biodiversity & Society
Hosted by the Faculty of Science, co-hosted by the Business School, Faculty of Arts and Faculty of Engineering. Ngā Ara Whetū will lead and contribute to world-class research and training, driving just and ethical action on climate change and the environment for thriving peoples and planetary wellbeing. Through this Centre, Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland will take its place amongst the many global actors striving to reduce climate risk and enable resilient and biodiverse ecosystems, thereby supporting fairer and healthier societies of Auckland.
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Faculty centres
Centre for Computational Evolution
The Centre for Computational Evolution (CCE) uses computational tools and evolutionary theory to tackle 21st-century challenges such as health, linguistics, and conservation. The Centre’s research themes include phylodynamics, life system modelling, and conservation genomics. The Centre fosters transdisciplinary research to create new translational research.
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Future Food Research Centre
The Future Food Research Centre aims to improve food and nutrition security sustainably through education, research, and innovation. The Centre brings together multidisciplinary and multi-sectoral expertise to find solutions for problems related to food security, systems efficiencies, waste, sovereignty, and innovation.
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NAOInstitute
The NAOInstitute (Natural, Artificial and Organisational Intelligence Institute) researches natural, artificial, and organizational intelligence and its impact on humanity's future. The Centre collaborates with global institutions, follows a collaborative innovation approach, and incorporates tikanga Māori. The Centre is transdisciplinary and aims to build strong relationships with hapū for inter-generational well-being.
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Te Ao Mārama – Centre for Fundamental Inquiry
Te Ao Mārama’s current cross-disciplinary initiative focuses on life and the universe, with an emphasis on space science and astrophysics. The initiative aims to facilitate research, develop STEM work force, foster engagement with the public, and partner with hapū interested in transdisciplinary approaches. Te Ao Mārama’s focus areas include cross-disciplinary teaching, mātauranga Māori, and solar system exploration.
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Te Pūtahi o Pūtaiao
Te Pūtahi o Pūtaiao supports research projects that bridge mātauranga Māori and Science. The Centre is Māori-led and underpinned by tikanga, māturanga, and te reo Māori, advancing scholarship that aligns with Māori interests.
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School and department centres
Centre for Anti-Microbial Research
The Centre for Antimicrobial Research tackles antimicrobial resistance by investigating molecular mechanisms, developing novel antimicrobials against significant bacterial pathogens, and improving antimicrobial stewardship. The Centre collaborates with clinicians, and national and international partners to develop new antimicrobials, and engages with the community to encourage improved antimicrobial stewardship.
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Centre for Biodiversity and Biosecurity
The Centre for Biodiversity and Biosecurity develops solutions to protect and enhance New Zealand's biodiversity by providing world-leading research and training. The Centre partners with external agencies to leverage funding, contributing to developing the next generation of researchers, practitioners, and policymakers. The Centre engages with iwi and Māori organizations.
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The Discovery Centre for Fundamental Research
The Discovery Centre advances fundamental research in computer science, mathematics, and statistics to solve societal problems. The Centre uses mathematics as a language for understanding, improving, and safeguarding people and the world. The Centre seeks to achieve globally transformative impact through foundational research, transdisciplinary translation to application, and flagship projects.
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George Mason Centre for the Environment
The George Mason Centre for Natural Environment is a multidisciplinary centre that focuses on environmental solutions to complex problems. Since its inception, the Centre has funded 21 projects focusing on environmental restoration, conservation, and sustainability, and has supported 12 post-doctoral and 5 PhD students. The Centre works with the George Mason Charitable Trust and collaborates with other organizations.
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Centre for Goldwater Wine Science
The Centre for Goldwater Wine Science is a hub for interdisciplinary wine-themed research in New Zealand. The Centre is closely associated with the New Zealand wine industry and attracts academics from various disciplines within the University.
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Centre for Green Chemical Science
The Centre for Green Chemical Science aims to provide the foundations for a sustainable future by promoting and facilitating research, education and public engagement in Green Chemical Science. The Centre uses chemical principles, science and technology to tackle global issues and problems that directly impact on sustainability.
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Centre for Health and Rehabilitation Research
The Health and Rehabilitation Research Centre promotes the interrelationship between physical activity, health, and well-being by conducting clinical trials and fostering interactions between the University, healthcare providers, industry partners, and communities. The Centre includes the world-class Health and Rehabilitation Clinic. The Centre conducts controlled physical activity-based intervention studies and provides state-of-the-art assessment of outcomes.
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Centre for Innovative Materials for Health
The Centre for Innovative Materials for Health enhances human health by developing and applying sustainable materials and engineering technologies. The Centre has two approaches: developing medical technologies and restoring healthy water. The Centre will collaborate with Māori communities and end-users to ensure continuous engagement and equitable health outcomes.
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Centre of Machine Learning for Social Good
The Centre of Machine Learning for Social Good empowers researchers to solve high-impact societal problems in their diverse domains. By leveraging machine learning, the Centre enables these diverse domains to work in a transformative manner, proactively facilitating interventions for better outcomes for Aotearoa.
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Centre for Mathematical Social Sciences
The Centre for Mathematical Social Sciences is a transdisciplinary research centre with members from fields, including mathematics, economics, computer science, philosophy, and statistics. Research covers areas such as decision-making, social choice, voting, social networks, game theory, and experimental economics. The Centre also focuses on climate change negotiations and ethical considerations in decision-making, providing opportunities for PhD students.
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Cyber Security Foundry
The Cyber Security Foundry uses an industry-focused approach to cyber security challenges and collaborates with other groups to develop future cyber security strategies. The Centre works with external parties seeking expertise in cyber security, promotes transdisciplinary collaboration across departments and faculties, and with other external stakeholders in government and industry.
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Climate Systems Laboratory
The Climate Systems Laboratory focuses on quantitative earth systems science to address the climate crisis. The laboratory builds and shares expertise on climate and earth system observations, models, and knowledge for policy, governance, and community actions. It supports existing programs while creating transdisciplinary training opportunities and connecting research to wider national and international academic communities.
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Centre for Transdisciplinary Biophysical Imaging
The Centre for Transdisciplinary Biophysical Imaging co-locates nascent imaging systems to remove logistical burdens and accelerate development of new imaging methods. The Centre translates resultant imaging techniques, technologies and applications into commercial devices to deliver scientific impact through commercialization. The Centre aligns with end-user requirements and focuses on advancing Māori in Aotearoa.
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